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The Scientific Revolution: Religion and Nature - HPSC2100
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HistorySpec1
 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: http://hps.arts.unsw.edu.au
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
 
 
Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
 
 
Equivalent: HPST2111
 
 
Excluded: HPSC2600, HPST2139
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines fundamental issues and techniques in the history and philosophy of science. Deals with the origins of modern European science, as exemplified in the work of Copernicus, Galileo, Newton and others. The social, religious, political and economic factors shaping the emergence and content of the new science are analysed. Emphasis is placed on critical historical thinking and use of tools from the sociology of scientific knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students should:
  • Have a deeper understanding of the nature of modern science and of the reasons it developed in Western Civilisation
  • Be able to appraise critically and to communicate effectively ideas about the role of social, religious, political and economic factors in shaping scientific theories
  • Acquire perspectives and concepts for critical thinking about scientific change, and about the relations between science and religion
  • Apply techniques for understanding and evaluating of historical source materials
  • Gain increased ability to communicate clearly and concisely, and to construct sound arguments, both in written and spoken form.

Assessment

  • Major essay (1500-2000 words) - 35%
  • Two tutorial presentations and papers - 30% (15% each)
  • Take home exam - 35%

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